Courtesy of dsm-firmenich
dsm-firmenich, a leading innovator in nutrition, health, and beauty, today announces the launch of a new range of ModulaSENSE® maskers, unlocking the full potential of its plant protein, Vertis™ CanolaPRO®. Developed using receptor-based technology, the new ModulaSENSE® maskers precisely target bitterness, astringency, and licorice-like notes at a molecular level, delivering superior accuracy and performance in ready-to-mix (RTM) drinks and protein bars made with Vertis™ CanolaPRO®.
Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is a complete, highly digestible, and sustainable rapeseed protein isolate. However, like many plant proteins, it may present sensory challenges in certain applications. These new maskers will enable manufacturers to formulate higher-protein and better-tasting RTM drinks and protein bars.
Consumers across North America and Europe increasingly seek high-protein plant-based options, without compromising on taste. This leaves brands facing a growing challenge: how to deliver nutrition that is not only functional but also delicious.
Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is a versatile and sustainable source of high-quality plant nutrition. It is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, with a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score of one, and is free from all major allergens.[i] The ingredient imparts unique functionality benefits with excellent solubility, foaming, emulsification, and gelation properties. Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is a certified upcycled ingredient that valorizes an existing side stream of canola oil production.
Using cutting-edge flavor science, ModulaSENSE® maskers target multiple sensory pathways and intercept unwanted flavors before they activate key taste receptors. This enables higher volumes of Vertis™ CanolaPRO® to be used in RTM drinks and protein bar applications while elevating the taste profile of these highly nutritious applications.
Alejandra Camacho, Vice President, Global Innovation Leader, Dairy Taste & Plant-based, at dsm-firmenich says: “There is a critical need in the plant protein space—better nutrition without compromise on taste. Using our deep molecular understanding of protein structures and interactions, alongside cutting-edge technologies to identify the correct masking ratios, we’re facilitating the sustainable protein transition. ModulaSENSE® combined with Vertis™ CanolaPRO® unlocks more opportunities for our customers, plus better tasting, sustainable, and functional nutrition for consumers.”
These new ModulaSENSE® maskers are available in North America from July 2025 and will be available in Europe from September 2025. The new range has been developed for RTM drinks and protein bars, with plans to expand into other applications in the future.
By uniting advanced flavor science with a high-quality plant protein like Vertis™ CanolaPRO®, dsm-firmenich reaffirms its commitment to shaping a future where alternative proteins deliver on taste, performance, and sustainability—and reach more consumers worldwide.
For more information on the latest ModulaSENSE® maskers, visit: http://www.dsm-firmenich.com/en/businesses/taste-texture-health/solutions/taste-texture/texture-mouthfeel/modulasense-canolapro.html
About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people.
[i] Vertis™ CanolaPRO® is free from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.
